Most people admit they had to develop an acquired taste for beets. The strong earthy flavor triggers the tinny aroma of dirt. As most learn from the time they are children, however, food does not have to taste good to be good for you. Beets are a prime example of this maxim. The health benefits outweigh any personal protests against the taste of them.
Studies have shown a direct improvement to blood pressure and physical performance during activities like exercise. Researchers have noted similar results in men who have taken beets to counter erectile dysfunction. The industry is watching the connection between beet juice and these health improvements, and experts believe there are enough ED success stories with increased beet juice intake to stay hopeful.
Why It May Work
The high nitrogen concentration in beets transforms into nitrate once it contacts bacteria on the human tongue and in the digestive tract. Once nitrate is in the body, it has the capability of widening blood vessels in the body and increasing blood flow. A more intense blood flow is what creates an erection.
Many of the prescription meds taken for ED contain nitric oxide that forces the blood vessels open. Beets are a natural food source that could make this change happen without medication. This could hold both a health and monetary benefit for users who would spend less money on prescriptions if beet juice achieves the same effect.
Can You Get Nitrate From Other Foods?
Although beet juice has been targeted as a good source of nitrate, this nutrient is found in other foods, including lettuce, carrots, and radishes. It is not safe to say that any one of these sources offers more nitrate than the others since nitrate levels depend on the quality of the soil where the food is grown. Increasing any of these foods in your diet is a sound decision, however. They all offer other health values, too.